Escape velocity
Meaning
Escape velocity is the minimum speed an object needs to achieve to break free from the gravitational pull of a planet or other celestial body without further propulsion.
Origin
The fundamental concept behind escape velocity was first pondered by Sir Isaac Newton in the late 17th century, who theorized that an object launched with enough speed could escape Earth's gravity, picturing a cannonball fired so powerfully that it would never return. However, the precise term 'escape velocity' and its critical application burst into prominence in the 20th century with the dawn of rocketry and the space age. As scientists and engineers raced to send rockets and satellites beyond Earth's atmosphere, calculating and achieving this specific speed became the pivotal challenge for every space mission, transforming a theoretical physics concept into the very real, practical gateway to the cosmos.
Examples
- The new startup needs to reach its escape velocity in terms of funding before it can truly thrive independently.
- Engineers calculated the precise escape velocity required for the spacecraft to leave Earth's orbit and journey to Mars.